“…Some of the most
striking paintings reflecting the temper of the
times came from a former abstractionist, Roy Veneracion.
In unusual and visually arresting works, such as
‘Panaginip and Pangarap (Ika-12 Pangitain
ni Juan),” the artist deals with the end of
the Marcos rule and reveals an accomplished figurative
style. Deviating from the traditional illustrative
approach to history painting, the works are surrealist,
combining recognizable public figures with symbols
such as monster robot signifying militarism and
a beautiful nude woman symbolizing Filipinas who
is sometimes shown contemplating her identity in
a mirror and who is ever in danger of being ravaged
by malignant forces. Within the visual field, the
artist brings together the ‘amatis personae’
of that historical conjuncture: Marcos and Imelda,
Cardianl Sin, the Generals, the widow Corazon, and
the Filipino family, as well as references to the
United States in the Stars and Stripes alongside
the Filipino flag. The figures in themselves are
not realistic but are recognized by their salient
features, some of them, too, are disguised in symbolic
form. The superb handling of values creates a dreamlike,
mesmerizing atmosphere, and the figures appear as
though they were acting out their parts on a stage.
This work brings out hidden potentials in the category
of historical painting.
